Modular router with base power switch

ABSTRACT

A routing machine comprises a base unit and a motor unit releasably connected to the base unit. The base unit includes a handle and a first electrical connector. The motor unit includes an electric motor, motor control circuitry configured to energize or de-energize the electric motor, and a second electrical connector connected to the motor control circuitry. The second electrical connector is configured to engage the first electrical connector when the motor unit is properly seated on the base unit. An electric switch is positioned on the base unit. The motor control circuitry is configured to deliver electric power to the electric motor when the switch is in an on position. The motor control circuitry is configured to not provide electric power to the electric motor when the switch is in an off position.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation application that claims priority fromU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/371,559, which is entitled “ModularRouter With Base Power Switch,” which was filed on Feb. 13, 2009 andwill issue as U.S. Pat. No. 8,033,307 on Oct. 11, 2011.

Cross Reference is made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/371,555,entitled “Modular Router with Base Sensor” by Pozgay et al., filed onFeb. 13, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,921,889).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to routers and more particularly torouters having interchangeable base units.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Routers are used to remove material from a workpiece for decorative orfunctional purposes. In particular, routers may be useful in performingcabinetwork, cutting grooves in the surface or edges of a material, andapplying a decorative border to a material through fluting or beading.In general, there are two types of routers, namely fixed base routersand plunge base routers. Both types of routers include an electric motorhaving a rotating shaft mounted vertically within a housing. The motorshaft terminates with a chuck, clamp, or collet for interchangeablysecuring a cutting tool, referred to as a router bit, to the shaft forrotation with the shaft. Fixed base routers and plunge base routersexhibit structural differences that affect the method by which therouters are operated.

Fixed base routers include a motor unit coupled to a base having a motormount, two opposing handles, and a work engaging surface. The motormount is connected to the top of the work engaging surface. The handlesare connected to the motor mount and/or the top surface of the workengaging surface. A router bit, coupled to the motor unit, is configuredto extend through an opening in the work engaging surface. The amountthe router bit extends from the work engaging surface is adjustabledepending on the position of the motor unit relative to the motor mount.In particular, the motor mount may include a plurality of differentpositions in which the motor unit may be locked. The plurality ofpositions enables a user to make grooves or cuts of a particular depth,depending on which position is selected. In general, a user operates afixed base router by precisely guiding the rotating router bit aroundthe edges or surface of a workpiece, thereby causing the bit to cut andremove portions of the workpiece at a fixed and predetermined depth.

Plunge base routers include a carriage, two opposing handles, a baseplate, and two plunge posts. The plunge posts extend perpendicularlyfrom the base plate and extend into channels formed in the carriage. Thecarriage is configured to house an electric motor, wherein the rotatingshaft of the electric motor extends downward from the carriage towardthe base plate. The opposing handles are connected to opposite sides ofthe carriage. Biasing members are configured to bias the carriage in anupward direction away from the base plate so that the motor shaft andthe router bit, if one is attached, are positioned above the base plate,out of contact with a workpiece. A user may apply downward pressure uponthe opposing handles, to slide the carriage down the plunge posts towardthe workpiece until the router bit extends below the base plate by apredetermined distance. Thus, the term “plunge” refers to the ability ofa plunge base router to direct a router bit into contact with aworkpiece from the upper position in which the router maintains therotating router bit above the workpiece, to the lower position in whichthe router bit is forced into contact with the workpiece. Upon releasingthe downward pressure on the handles, the biasing system forces thecarriage to slide up the plunge posts to the upper position, therebyremoving the router bit from contact with the workpiece.

Some routers, referred to as modular or combination routers, areconfigured to have a motor unit that may be removably connected to acarriage upon a plunge base or a motor mount upon a fixed base.Combination routers offer users increased functionality; however, somecombination routers are inconvenient to operate. For instance, pastcombination routers have included a motor power switch located upon theexterior of the motor unit. Thus, there exists the possibility that themotor could become energized without being connected to either theplunge base or the fixed base.

Furthermore, some users may find it inconvenient to energize anddeenergize a combination router having a power switch located upon themotor unit. For instance, consider that in order to energize acombination router having a power switch upon the motor unit, a usermust position the router near the workpiece, grasp one of the opposinghandles with a first hand, actuate the power switch with a second hand,and then grasp the other opposing handle with the second hand. Such aprocess inconveniences users, because the torque generated by the motormay undesirably reposition the router before the user is able to graspboth handles, thereby impacting the precision of the cut or groove to bemade.

In view of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide acombination router having a motor unit that does not become energizedunless properly connected to a router base. It would be furtheradvantageous to provide a combination router having a motor unit thatmay be energized and deenergized without requiring a user to release oneof the router handles. Thus, an improved combination router and motorpower switch are possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A routing machine comprises a base unit and a motor unit releasablyseated on the base unit. The base unit includes a handle and a firstelectrical connector. The motor unit includes an electric motor, motorcontrol circuitry configured to energize or de-energize the electricmotor, and a second electrical connector connected to the motor controlcircuitry. The second electrical connector is configured to engage thefirst electrical connector when the motor unit is properly seated on thebase unit. An electric switch is positioned on the base unit. The motorcontrol circuitry is configured to deliver electric power to theelectric motor when the switch is in an on position. The motor controlcircuitry is configured to not provide electric power to the electricmotor when the switch is in an off position.

In at least one embodiment, the electric switch is positioned on thehandle of the base unit. In another embodiment, the routing machineincludes a lock on the handle configured to lock the electric switch inthe on position. In yet another embodiment, the routing machinecomprises a sensor configured to determine if the electric switch is inthe on position or the off position when the motor unit is initiallyconnected to the base unit. The router is configured to prevent deliveryof electrical power to the electric motor if the electric switch is inthe on position when the motor unit is initially connected to the baseunit.

The above described features and advantages, as well as others, willbecome more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art byreference to the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawings. While it would be desirable to provide a routing machine thatprovides one or more of these or other advantageous features as may beapparent to those reviewing this disclosure, the teachings disclosedherein extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of theappended claims, regardless of whether they include or accomplish one ormore of the advantages or features mentioned herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a combination router having amotor unit coupled to a plunge base unit;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the motor unit of FIG. 1coupled to a standard base unit;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a motor unit for use with theplunge base unit of FIG. 1 and the standard base unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a motor unit for use with theplunge base unit of FIG. 1 and the standard base unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of an electrical connector foruse with the motor unit of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a standard base unit for usewith the motor unit of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a plunge base unit for use withthe motor unit of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of an electrical connector foruse with the standard base of FIG. 5 or the plunge base of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of the motor latch of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a plan view of the motor latch of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart depicting an exemplary method foradjusting the force with which the motor latch of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6secures a motor unit to a base unit;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the release latch of FIG. 5and FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 illustrates plan view of the release latch of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cutaway elevational view of the release latch ofFIG. 10 and the motor unit of FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 illustrates a cutaway elevational view of the release latch ofFIG. 10 and the motor unit of FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 illustrates a top plan view of the release latch of FIG. 10 andthe motor unit of FIG. 4;

FIG. 15 illustrates a cutaway elevational view of the motor unit of FIG.1 and a plunge base unit;

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a sleeve bearing for use witha plunge base unit; and

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of the sleeve bearing of FIG. 16;

FIG. 17A illustrates a top view of the sleeve bearing of FIG. 16 withthe sleeve bearing having exaggerated elliptical cross-section;

FIG. 17B illustrates the tolerance variation of the plunge posts of theplunge base due to manufacturing and tolerance stack up;

FIG. 18 illustrates a cutaway perspective view of the sleeve bearing ofFIG. 16 coupled to a plunge base unit;

FIG. 19 illustrates a cutaway perspective view of a plunge base unithaving an offset fine adjustment mechanism;

FIG. 20 illustrates a cutaway elevational view of the plunge base unitof FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 illustrates a cutaway perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of the plunge base unit of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 illustrates a cutaway elevational view of an alternativeembodiment of the plunge base unit of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of a fine adjustment gauge foruse with the plunge base unit of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of a switch for use with a plungebase unit or a standard base unit;

FIG. 25 illustrates a schematic view of an electronic circuit forcontrolling the motor unit of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4;

FIG. 26 illustrates a flowchart depicting an exemplary method forcontrolling a combination router;

FIG. 27 illustrates a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of anelectronic circuit for controlling the motor unit of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4;

FIG. 28 illustrates a flowchart depicting an alternative exemplarymethod for controlling a combination router; and

FIG. 29 illustrates a flowchart depicting an alternative exemplarymethod for controlling a combination router.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a power tool is provided as a routingmachine, in the form of a combination or modular router 100. The router100 includes a motor unit 104 releasably connected to a base unit 106.In particular, the motor unit 104 may be connected to a plunge base unit108, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or the motor unit 104 may be connected toa fixed or standard base unit 112, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The router100 is configured to operate only when the motor unit 104 is properlysecured to a base unit 106. As explained in detail below, the modularrouter 100 provides a motor clamp, a release latch, a standard base unit112, a plunge base unit 108, a sleeve bearing, an offset fine adjustmentmechanism, a base unit 106 and a motor unit 104 electrical connector, apower switch provided on the handle of the base unit 106, base sensingelectronic circuitry, and fault protection electronic circuitry.

The Motor Unit

With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the motor unit 104 is configured tobe inserted into the mouth 146 of a base unit 106. In particular, themotor unit 104 defines a motor axis as represented by line 138 of FIG. 3and FIG. 4. The motor unit 104 may be inserted into the mouth 146 of abase unit 106 generally in the direction of a motor axis 138. The motorunit 104 includes an electric motor 282 (not shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4,but illustrated schematically in FIG. 25), a lower connection portion116, and an upper cover portion 120. The electric motor 282 is enclosedwithin the connection portion 116 and the cover portion 120. Anexemplary motor 282 may be configured to rotate anywhere from 1000 to40,000 rpm and have a power output of 1 to 3 kW. A drive shaft 124 ofthe motor 282 is configured to extend through an opening 126 in thebottom of the connection portion 116. The drive shaft 124 may beterminated with a collet or chuck 128 for removably coupling a routerbit to the drive shaft 124; however, any sort of mechanism may beutilized to non-rotatably secure a router bit to the drive shaft 124.

The cover portion 120 of the motor unit 104 is coupled to the top of theconnection portion 116. Together, the cover portion 120 and theconnection portion 116 provide a housing for the motor 282, with themotor housing having an upper surface 283. The cover portion 120 may beconstructed of any rigid material such as plastic, metal, or compositematerials such as a fiber-reinforced polymer. Openings for a power cord132 and a motor speed adjustment dial 136 may be formed in the coverportion 120, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

Referring still to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the connection portion 116 of themotor unit 104 has an exterior periphery designed to be inserted into asimilarly shaped opening or mouth 146 (as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) ina base unit 106 (see, e.g., FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). The connection portion116 may be constructed of rigid materials including, but not limited to,aluminum, magnesium, steel, and metallic alloys that are light andresistant to wear. Although the illustrated motor unit 104 is generallycylindrical, the exterior periphery of connection portion 116 may takeany of various shapes, so long as the base unit 106 includes acorresponding mouth 146 configured to engage the connection portion 116.A surface feature such as arrow 140 on the motor unit 104 is alignedwith a similar surface feature on the base unit 106 when the motor unit104 is properly aligned for insertion into the base unit 106.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the connection portion 116 mayinclude a series of slots provided as notches 142, a chamfered lower rim143, and an elongated tapered groove 400 (as shown in FIG. 4). Theseries of notches 142 are configured to engage a motor depth adjustmentlatch 656 (as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11) upon the standard base unit112. The notches 142 are arranged upon the connection portion 116substantially parallel to the motor axis 138. The vertical position ofthe connection portion 116 relative the base unit 112 is variable,depending on the notch 142 to which the depth adjustment latch 656 isengaged. Positioning the depth adjustment latch 656 in a notch 142closer to the top of connection portion 116 results in the router bitextending farther from the base unit 112, thereby making a deeper cut.Likewise, positioning the detent 658 in a notch 142 closer to the bottomof the connection portion 116 results in the router bit extending lessfrom the base unit 112, thereby making a shallower cut.

The chamfered lower rim 143, illustrated most clearly in FIG. 4, enablesthe motor unit 104 to be easily inserted into the mouth 146 in the baseunit 106. In particular, the smaller diameter of the chamfered rim 143,as compared to the remainder of the connection portion 116, enables thechamfered rim 143 to be easily inserted into the mouth 146. Furthermore,as the chamfered rim 143 contacts the side of the mouth 146, thechamfered surface slide upon the rim of the mouth 146, thereby centeringthe connection portion 116 within the mouth 146. An exemplary degree ofthe chamfer may range anywhere from 20 degrees to 80 degrees.Furthermore, as described in further detail below, the chamfered rim 143may be configured to displace a finger 612 upon a release latch 600 (asmost clearly shown in FIG. 10) as the motor unit 104 is inserted intothe base unit 106.

Referring still to FIG. 4, the elongated tapered groove 400 extends inan axial direction along the outer surface of the connection portion116, substantially parallel to the motor axis 138. The tapered groove400 begins just above the chamfered rim 143. Specifically, a gap 147separates the tapered groove 400 from the chamfered rim 143. Thediameter of the connection portion 116 at the gap 147 and at thediameter of the connection portion 116 above the tapered groove 400 areapproximately equal as demonstrated by dashed line 404 of FIG. 12 andFIG. 13. The width of the tapered groove 400 is configured to beslightly wider than the width of the finger 612, as described below.

The tapered groove 400 includes an inclined surface 408 and a shoulder412, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 12, and 13. The top of the inclinedsurface 408 coincides with the exterior of the connection portion 116.However, the bottom of the inclined surface 408 extends 2 to 10millimeters below the exterior surface of the connection portion 116.The shoulder 412 forms the lower boundary of the tapered groove 400. Thewidth of the shoulder 412 is approximately equal to the width of thetapered groove 400. The depth of the shoulder 412 is determined by thedistance the inclined surface 408 extends below the exterior surface ofthe connection portion 116. As illustrated in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, anapproximately 90 degree angle is formed by the shoulder 412 on theexterior surface of the connection portion 116. The shoulder 412 abutsthe finger 612 of the release latch 600 when the motor unit 104 is drawnupward from the base unit 106 in order to maintain the motor unit 104 inthe base unit 106, as explained in further detail below.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 4A, the connection portion 116 of themotor unit 104 includes an electrical connector 144. As illustrated bestin FIG. 4A, the electrical connector 144 may be formed of a plurality ofreceptacles 145 supported by an insulating material. For example, theelectrical connector 144 may have three receptacles 145. As explainedbelow, each receptacle 145 is configured to receive a blade 149extending from a corresponding electrical connector 148 of the base unit106. The receptacles 145 are configured to receive the blades 149 as themotor unit is inserted into the base unit in the direction of arrow D inFIG. 4A. Although one embodiment of electrical connector is shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, it will be recognized that the motor unit 104 mayfunction with any type of electrical connector 144, capable of reliablymaking electrical contact with the corresponding electrical connector148 on the base unit 106 in a potentially dusty environment. Asillustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the electrical connector 144 issecured to the exterior surface of the connection portion 116; however,the electrical connector 144 may be located in any position upon themotor unit 104 capable contacting the corresponding electrical connector148 on the base unit 106. Thus, when the motor unit 104 is properlyinserted in the base unit 106 in the direction of arrow D, theelectrical connector 144 becomes electrically coupled to thecomplimentary electrical connector 148 in the base unit 106, such thatan electrical connection is established between the motor unit 104 andthe base unit 106.

The Base Unit

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary standard base unit 112 and FIG. 6 shows anexemplary plunge base unit 108. Although each base unit 106 is used fora different purpose, the base units 106 share many common components.For example, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, each base unit 106 includesa base plate 152, a work contact surface 156, two opposing handles 160,164, a carriage 168, and an electrical connector 148. The base plate 152is provided as a circular disc configured to support the router 100.However, in other embodiments, the base plate 152 may take on otherforms, such as a square shape or any other closed figure. Furthermore,the base plate 152 is not necessarily flat and may include varioussurface irregularities. A work contact surface 156 is provided on thebottom of the base plate 152. The contact surface 156 is configured toslide smoothly upon a workpiece; accordingly, the contact surface 156 isgenerally flat and free of abrasions or other irregularities. Both thebase plate 152 and the contact surface 156 include an opening 169through which a router bit may project. The opposing handles 160, 164are described below with reference to each base unit 106 individually.

The carriage 168 is connected to the top of the base plate 152; however,the method of attachment depends upon the type of base unit 106, asexplained below. The carriage 168 includes a mouth 146 and a motor clamp420. The mouth 146 has interior dimensions slightly larger than theexterior dimensions of the connection portion 116 of the motor unit 104.Although the illustrated mouth 146 is circular, the mouth 146 may be anyshape as required by the exterior dimensions of the connection portion116.

The Motor Clamp

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, a motor clamp 420 is provided on the baseunit 106 and is configured to apply a clamping or compressive force uponthe outer surface of the motor unit 104 to secure the motor unit 104within the carriage 168 of the base unit 106. As explained below, themotor clamp 420 utilizes the principle of a four bar linkage configuredfor clamping in an “over center” orientation.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the motor clamp 420 includes a handle 424, anarm 428, a rigid flap 432 (best illustrated in FIG. 10), and a clampadjustment mechanism 436. A plurality of pivots provided as axles 448,452, 476 are also included on the motor clamp 420. The motor clamp 420may be formed from materials including aluminum, magnesium, or metallicalloys that are light and durable. The motor clamp 420 is pivotablebetween an open position (see FIG. 7) and a closed position (see FIG.8). In the open position, the motor unit 104 may be rotated andvertically translated within the mouth 146. In the closed position, themotor clamp 420 grips and clamps the connection portion 116 to preventthe motor unit 104 from rotating or vertically translating within themouth 146.

Referring still to FIG. 5, the handle 424 includes a vertical gripportion 440 and two horizontal legs 444. The handle 424 is pivotallyconnected to the arm 428 and the rigid flap 432. Specifically, the flap432 is connected to the horizontal legs 444 with axle 448, and the arm428 is connected to the horizontal arms with axle 452. The handle 424itself is configured to pivot about axle 448.

As best seen in FIG. 10, the flap 432 is defined by a channel 456 thatextends through the carriage 168 along three sides of the flap 432. Thechannel 456 allows the flap 432 to flex and pivot about the side of theflap 432 that remains integral with the remainder of the carriage 168.In at least one embodiment, the interior surface of the flap 432 may becoated with a material having a comparatively high coefficient offriction, such that when the motor clamp 420 is closed, the motor unit104 does not vertically translate or rotate relative the carriage 168.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the arm 428 is configured to pivot about axle476. A tab 460 on the exterior surface of the carriage 168 retains theaxle 476. The end of the arm 428 through which axle 476 extends includesan upper portion 464 and lower portion 468 separated by a void 472. Thetab 460 projects from the exterior of the carriage 168 and has a heightslightly less than the height of the void 472, such that the arm 428 maybe connected to the carriage 168 with the tab 460 filling the void. Thetab 460 may be integral with the carriage 168 and may be formed from thesame material as the carriage 168 including, but not limited to,aluminum, steel, stainless steel and other metals or metallic alloys. Asthe handle 424 is pivoted above axle 448, the arm 428 pivots about axle476 and axle 452.

The clamp adjustment mechanism 436 determines the magnitude of thecompressive force applied to the motor unit 104 when the motor clamp 420is closed, as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8. The adjustment mechanism436 includes a set screw, provided as a threaded bolt 480, and a nut484. The nut 484 may be formed of materials including, but not limitedto, steel, stainless steel, and other hard and rigid metals or metallicalloys. As shown best in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the nut 484 is inserted intoan axial channel formed in the tab 460. The axial channel extendsdownward from the top surface of the tab 460, but does not extendcompletely through the tab 460. The axial channel may closely surroundthe nut 484, such that the nut 484 may not rotate within the channel. Inparticular, the interior dimensions of the axial channel may match theexterior dimensions of the nut 484, so that the nut 484 does not rotatewhen a bolt 480 is threaded therein.

Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the bolt 480 is configured to bethreaded into the nut 484 through a lateral channel in tab 460. The bolt480 may be formed of materials including, but not limited to steel,stainless steel, and other hard and rigid metals and metallic alloys.The lateral channel is approximately perpendicular to the axial channeland is represented by line 487. The dimensions of the lateral channelare equal or only slightly larger than the dimensions of the bolt 480,such that the bolt 480 may be threaded into the lateral channel.Additionally, the width of the lateral channel is just slightly largerthan the diameter or width of axle 476, in order to permit the axle 476to translate within the lateral channel in the direction represented byline 487 of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. In some embodiments, access to the bolt480 of the clamp adjustment mechanism 436 may be blocked when the motorclamp 420 is in the open position, such that the clamp adjustment member436 cannot be adjusted when the motor clamp 420 is in the open position.

In operation, the motor clamp 420 is configured to secure the motor unit104 to the carriage 168 of the base unit 106. As mentioned above, themotor clamp 420 utilizes the principles of a four bar linkage.Specifically, a first link (represented by line 496 of FIG. 7 and FIG.8) extends from the interior surface of the carriage 168 to axle 476. Asecond link (represented by line 490 of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) extends fromaxle 476 to axle 452. A third link (represented by line 498 in FIG. 7and FIG. 8) extends from axle 452 to axle 448 and joins the handle 424to the flap 432. A fourth link (represented by line 488 in FIG. 7 andFIG. 8) extends between the flap 432 and the tab 460. The fourth link488 may be described as a theoretical link, because it is notrepresented by a mechanical element. Interaction of the links 488, 490,496, 498, in the closed and opened position is explained below.

Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the motor clamp 420 is illustratedattached to the standard base 112 and the plunge base 108. Forexplanation purposes, a motor unit 104 is not illustrated in either FIG.7 or FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 7, the motor clamp 420 is in the openposition and a motor unit 104 is not inserted into the carriage 168. Themotor clamp 420 may be closed by forcing the handle 440 toward thecarriage 168 by pivoting the handle 440 about axle 448. As the handle440 is pivoted, a force is exerted upon axle 448 that causes the flap432 to pivot radially toward the center of the mouth 146, as illustratedby dashed line 492 of FIG. 8. In particular, as the handle 440 nears thecarriage 168 a point at which the clamp 420 exerts a maximum force uponthe flap 432 is reached. This point is referred to as the center pointof the four bar linkage. By continuing to pivot the handle 440 beyondthe center point to the “over center” position, as shown in FIG. 8, theforce exerted upon the flap 432 is reduced. When the clamp 420 isclosed, the four bar linkage remains beyond the center point as isevidenced by link 488 overlapping link 490. By positioning the handle440 in a position beyond the center point, the clamp 420 delivers aconstant and predictable force upon the flap 432 and also becomes“locked” in the closed position, such that a radially outward directedforce from within the carriage 168 does not cause the clamp 420 to open.

To open the motor clamp 420, the handle 440 may be grasped and pivotedaway from the carriage 168 about axle 448. As the handle 440 isinitially pivoted, an increasing force is developed upon the flap 432until the center point is reached. Once the center point is reached andexceeded, the handle 440 may be easily pivoted to a fully openedposition, as shown in FIG. 7.

Although FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 do not show a motor unit 104, it will berecognized that when a motor unit 104 is inserted into the carriage 168the mechanics of the clamp 420 operate similarly to the operationdiscussed in the above paragraphs; however, the connection portion 116of the motor unit 104 prevents the flap 432 from extending toward thecenter of the carriage 168. In particular, the exterior dimensions ofthe motor unit 104 are only marginally smaller than the interiordimensions of the carriage 168, causing the motor unit 104 to fiteasily, but snugly within the carriage 168. Accordingly, there existsonly a very small gap between the flap 432 and the motor unit 104 whenthe motor clamp 420 is in the open position. When the handle 440 ispivoted to the closed position the developed force closes the very smallgap; however, there then exists no further distance for the flap 432 toextend toward the center of the carriage 168. Instead, the previouslyradially directed force toward the center of the mouth 146 becomes atangentially directed force due to the circular shape of the motor unit104 and the flap 432. Thus, as the clamp 420 is closed upon a motor unit104, the force generated by the clamp 420 causes the flap 432 first topivot toward the center of the carriage 168 closing the very small gapand then second to stretch tangentially toward the tab 460. Of course,because the flap 432 may be constructed of aluminum or other metals ormetallic alloys, the flap 432 stretches only a small degree; however,the stretching results in a powerful compressive force that secures theconnection portion 116 to the carriage 168 without permitting the motorunit 104 to rotate or translate vertically relative to the carriage 168.

The clamp adjustment mechanism 436 determines the magnitude of thecompressive force applied to the motor unit 104 in the following manner.When the motor clamp 420 is closed, axle 476 is drawn away from thecarriage 168, against the bolt 480. Thus, the position of the bolt 480determines the distance axle 476 may extend from the carriage 168. Thisdistance is referred to as link 496. Based on the principle of a fourbar linkage, increasing the length of link 496 decreases the forcerequired to position the clamp 420 in an over center orientation.Likewise, decreasing the length of link 496 increases the force requiredto position the clamp 420 in an over center position. Accordingly, themagnitude of the compressive force applied to the motor unit 104 bymotor clamp 420 may be increased or decreased by adjusting the positionof bolt 480 and the associated axle 476. Furthermore, note that becauselink 496 extends from axle 476 toward the center of the mouth 146through tab 460, the orientation of link 496 may be represented by linesof varying angles. In particular, link 496 may extend from axle 476 tothe corner of the tab 460, as represented by dashed line 490 of FIG. 7.The chosen orientation of link 496 represents the resultant of the forcevectors applied to link 496.

Referring now to the flowchart of FIG. 9, a method 500 is presented forutilizing the clamp adjustment mechanism 436 to apply a predeterminedmagnitude of compressive force to the motor unit 104. As shown in block504, the method 500 starts with opening the motor clamp 420. Next, asshown in block 508, the motor unit 104 is inserted into the carriage168. As shown in block 512, once the motor unit 104 is inserted into thecarriage 168 the motor clamp 420 is closed. Initially, the bolt 480 mayonly be partially threaded into the lateral channel that extends in thedirection of line 487, such that the bolt 480 is flush with the surfaceof the nut 484 proximate the axle 476. Next, as provided in block 516,the bolt 480 is tightened to a predetermined torque. As the bolt 480 istightened, axle 476 is forced to the rear of the lateral channel, which,as described above, decreases the length of link 496 and increases thecompressive force upon the motor unit 104. Thus, there exists acorrelation between the torque of the bolt 480 and the compressive forcegenerated by the motor clamp 420. This correlation simplifies thecompressive force adjustment process of the motor clamp 420, such that aconsistent compressive force can be attained without repeatedly openingand closing the clamp 420. Accordingly, the method 500 effectivelyconfigures the motor clamp 420 to deliver a predetermined compressiveforce upon the motor unit 104, requiring the motor clamp 420 to beclosed only one time. Of course, the method 500 permits a user to openand close the motor clamp 420 numerous times as may be necessary forother reasons; however, it is possible to close the clamp 420 only onceduring the compressive force adjustment process.

The foregoing method 500 is particularly useful during the manufacturingprocess for the modular router 100, because the manufacturer typicallysells the modular router 100 with the motor clamp 420 configured toapply a predetermined clamping force to the motor unit 104. Accordingly,during manufacture of the modular router 100, the manufacturer mayfollow the simple steps set forth in FIG. 9 to set the clamping forcewithout the need for repeatedly opening and closing the motor clamp 420to set the desired clamping force properly.

The Release Latch

Referring now to FIGS. 10-14, a release latch 600 is provided on thebase unit 106 to prevent the motor unit 104 from becoming separated fromthe base unit 106. The release latch 600 is pivotally mounted to theexterior of the carriage 168 and the base unit 106. The latch 600includes a finger 612 and a contact tab 616. As shown in FIG. 11 andFIG. 14, a post 604 extends vertically through a central channel in therelease latch 600 and forms an axis of rotation. A biasing member suchas a spring 608 biases the finger 612 of the latch 600 toward a notchprovided as an opening 624 in the carriage 168 of the base unit 106. Theopening 624 has dimensions slightly larger than the finger 612, asillustrated in FIG. 10. The spring 608 biases the release latch 600 suchthat the finger 612 normally extends through the opening 624 and into aninterior portion of the base unit 106.

As most clearly illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the contact tab 616 isa flat region of the release latch 600 having a surface area largeenough for a person to locate and press easily and comfortably, evenwhile wearing gloves or other protective devices. When the contact tab616 is pressed against the carriage 168 the release latch 600 pivotsabout post 604 causing the finger 612 to exit the opening 624 such thatthe finger 612 no longer reaches into the interior portion of the baseunit 106. Although the release latch 600 is illustrated upon thestandard base in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the release latch functionsequally well and similarly when installed upon a plunge base unit 108.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, the shape of the finger 612 is configuredto engage the tapered groove 400 upon the connection portion 116 of themotor unit 104. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, thetop side of the finger 612 includes a chamfered or angled surface 628that approximately matches the chamfering of the chamfered rim 143. Thebottom surface of the finger 612 is formed to match the shape of theshoulder 412. In particular, the bottom surface may be formed at anapproximately ninety degree angle. Furthermore, the width of the finger612 is less than the width of the tapered groove 400 such that thefinger 612 may be inserted into the tapered groove 400 and against theinclined surface 408 when the motor unit 104 is inserted into the baseunit 106, as illustrated in FIG. 14.

In operation, the release latch 600 provides an additional mechanismconfigured to secure the motor unit 104 to the base unit 106. Asillustrated in FIG. 12, when the motor unit 104 is properly insertedinto the mouth 146 in the base unit 106 in the direction of arrow 407,the chamfered rim 143 of the connection portion 116 contacts the topsurface 628 of the finger 612. Continued downward movement of the motorunit 104 causes the top surface 628 of the finger 612 to slide upon thechamfered rim 143 away from the motor unit 104. The movement of thefinger 612 is directed against the resistance of the spring 608.

Further downward movement of the motor unit 104 causes the chamfered rim143 to slide past the finger 612, at which point the spring 608 forcesthe finger 612 against the gap 147. Continued downward movementpositions the gap 147 below the finger 612, as illustrated in FIG. 13.When the gap 147 is completely below the finger 612, the spring 608pivots the finger 612 toward the motor unit 104, thereby inserting thefinger 612 into the tapered groove 400. The inclined surface 408 of thetapered groove 400 provides a smooth surface for the finger 612 to slideupon while the position of the motor unit 104 is adjusted to set thedepth of the router bit.

In one embodiment, the biasing force developed by the spring 608 maystrongly force finger 628 into contact with the inclined surface 408 ofthe tapered groove 400. In particular, once finger 628 has become seatedagainst the inclined surface 408, the finger 628 stabilizes the verticalposition of the motor unit 104 relative the base unit 106. Furthermore,after the finger 628 contacts the inclined surface 408, an increasinglygreater downward force must be exerted upon the motor unit 104 in orderto further lower the motor unit 104 into the base unit 106. Anincreasing force is required because as the motor unit 104 is loweredfurther into the base unit 106 the inclined surface 408 forces thefinger 628 to pivot further out of the opening 624, thereby generatingan increased biasing force in spring 608. In addition as the motor unit104 is raised or withdrawn from the base unit 106 the force of thefinger 628 against the inclined surface 408 reduces the force requiredto withdraw the motor unit 104 from the base unit 106. The biasing forceapplied to finger 628 may be developed solely by spring 608, which iscapable of providing a strong spring force. Additionally oralternatively, a compression spring may be coupled between the carriage168 and the rear surface of the contact tab 616 in order to increaseforce of the finger 628 against the inclined surface 408.

Referring still to FIG. 13, when the motor unit 104 is slid upwardrelative the carriage 168, the spring 608 forces the finger 612 againstthe inclined surface 408, such that the finger 612 abuts the shoulder412 as the motor unit 104 is drawn near the top of the carriage 168.Specifically, when the motor unit 104 has been inserted far enough intothe mouth 146 in the carriage 168 to cause the finger 612 to be seatedin the tapered groove 400, an upward directed force upon the motor unit104 causes the shoulder 412 to contact the bottom surface of the finger612. Thus, the shoulder 412 provides a positive stop that limitsmovement of the motor unit 104 when it is positioned in the base unit106. The motor unit 104 cannot be removed from the base unit 106 whenthe finger 612 is seated in the tapered groove 400 upon the shoulder 412without damaging the motor unit 104, the release latch 600, or thecarriage 168. Accordingly, in order to remove the motor unit 104 fromthe carriage 168, the finger 612 must be pivoted away from theconnection portion 116 such that no portion of the finger 612 extendswithin the tapered groove 400. In particular, the motor unit 104 can beremoved when no portion of the finger 612 extends across dashed line 404of FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. The finger 612 may be removed from the taperedgroove 400 by applying pressure to the contact surface 616 until thebackside of the contact surface 616 abuts the exterior of the carriage168. Once again, the release latch 600 functions similarly wheninstalled upon either the plunge base unit 108 or the standard base unit112.

Motor Unit Adjustment in the Standard Base Unit

The carriage 168 described above may be attached to the standard base112, as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5. The standard base 112 isconfigured to secure the motor unit 104 in a position that permits arouter bit to extend beyond the work contact surface 156 by a fixeddistance. Specifically, the distance by which the router bit extends maybe adjusted; however, once a position has been chosen, the position maynot be readjusted while the motor 282 is in operation. The standard base112 includes opposing handles 160, 164, a macro adjustment system 648,and a fine adjustment system 652. The opposing handles 160, 164 of thestandard base 112 are connected to the lower portion of the carriage 168and/or the upper surface of the base plate 152. The position of thehandles 160, 164 is fixed relative the base 112. The handles 160, 164may be constructed from materials including, but not limited to, wood,metal, plastic, and other rigid materials.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 8, 10, and 11, the macro adjustment system 648is configured to position the router bit in one of a plurality ofpredetermined positions below the base plate 152. The macro adjustmentsystem 648 includes a motor depth adjustment latch 656, and a biasingmember 660. The motor depth adjustment latch 656 is pivotally secured tothe exterior of the carriage 168, as explained below with reference tothe fine adjustment mechanism 652. The motor depth adjustment latch 656includes a protuberance provided as a detent 658 configured to securethe motor unit 104 to the carriage 168. The biasing member 660 normallybiases the depth adjustment latch 656 in an engaged position. In theengaged position, the biasing member 660 biases the detent 658 throughan elongated slot 664 toward the center of the mouth 146 in the carriage168, such that a portion of the detent 658 resides within the interiorportion of the carriage 168, as illustrated by dashed line 666 of FIG.11. By pressing the portion of the depth adjustment latch 656 referredto as a pad 662, the depth adjustment latch 656 may be pivoted to adisengaged position. In the disengaged position the detent 658 ispivoted away from the carriage 168 and out of the elongated slot 664,such that no portion of detent 658 extends within the mouth 146 of thecarriage 168.

Before inserting a motor unit 104 into the carriage 168 the depthadjustment latch 656 must first be pivoted to the disengaged position,so that the detent 658 does not extend through the opening 664. If thedepth adjustment latch 656 is not pivoted to the disengaged positionbefore inserting a motor unit 104 into the carriage 168, the connectionportion 116 of the motor unit 104 abuts the detent 658, which coulddamage the detent 658 or the connection portion 116. After the motorunit has been inserted into the carriage 168, pressure upon the pad 622can be relaxed, thereby allowing the biasing member 600 to pivot thedetent 658 through the opening 664 toward the connection portion 116.The motor unit 104 can then be vertically translated relative thecarriage 168 until the biasing member 660 biases the detent 658 into oneof the notches 142 upon the exterior of the connection portion 116. Bypositioning the detent 658 within one of the notches 142 a distance uponwhich the router bit extends from the work engaging surface 156 can beadjusted. Furthermore, note that the dimensions of the detent 658 areslightly smaller than the dimensions of the notch 142, such that thedetent 658 fits securely within the notch 142.

Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 10, the fine adjustment system 652 isconfigured to precisely determine the distance by which the router bitextends from the work engaging surface 156. The fine adjustment system652 includes an adjustment knob 668 and a threaded shaft 672. Thethreaded shaft 672 is vertically mounted parallel to the longitudinalaxis of the carriage 168. The adjustment knob 668 is secured to the topof the threaded shaft 672. Rotation of the knob 668 causes the threadedshaft 672 to rotate. The depth adjustment latch 656 of the macroadjustment system 648 includes a threaded channel configured tothreadingly engage the threaded shaft 672. As the adjustment knob 668 isrotated, the depth adjustment latch 656 moves up or down upon thethreaded shaft 672. Accordingly, opening 664 should have a lengthgreater than the desired degree of vertical translation of the depthadjustment latch 656. When the detent 658 is engaged to a notch 142 inthe connection portion 116, movement of the detent 658 causes the motorunit 104 to precisely move up or down, in the direction of the motoraxis 138, depending on the direction of rotation.

Motor Unit Adjustment in the Plunge Base Unit

With reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 15, the plunge base unit 108 includesa primary plunge post 180, secondary plunge post 184, a primarycompression spring 188, and a secondary compression spring 192. Theplunge posts 180, 184 may be made from metal or any other rigid andstraight material. One end of each plunge post 180, 184 extends intofirst and second channels 196, 200 in the carriage 168. The other end ofeach plunge post 180, 184 is coupled to the base plate 152. Each plungepost 180, 184 also includes a hollow interior cavity that houses thecompression springs 188, 192. In particular, the primary compressionspring 188 extends throughout the hollow interior cavity of the primaryplunge post 180, and the secondary compression spring 192 extendsthroughout the hollow interior cavity of the secondary plunge post 184.The top end of the compression springs 188, 192 extends from the top ofthe plunge posts 180, 184 and contacts a ceiling 202 of the channels196, 200. The bottom end of the compression springs 188, 192 contact aportion of the base plate 152. The springs 188, 192 bias the carriage168 in an upper position, in which the router bit is held above the workengaging surface 156.

The carriage 168 is configured to slide upon the plunge posts 180, 184from the upper position to a lower position, in which the router bitextends below the work contact surface 156 by a predetermined distance.As illustrated in FIG. 15, a gap G exists between the top of the plungeposts 180, 184 and the ceiling 202 of the channels 196, 200. This gap Grepresents a distance by which the carriage 168 may be slid down theplunge posts 180, 184, by applying a downward force to the opposinghandles 160, 164. In particular, the carriage 168 may be slid down theplunge posts 180, 184 until the ceiling 202 contacts the top of theplunge posts 180, 184. As the carriage 168 is slid down the plunge posts180, 184 the ceiling 202 forces the springs 188, 192 to compress,thereby generating a biasing force suitable to lift the carriage 168 tothe upper position, when the downward force upon the handles 160, 164 isrelaxed. Note that spring guides 194, 198 ensure that the springs 188,192 remain on a vertical longitudinal axis as the carriage 168 is movedfrom the upper to the lower position.

Referring now to FIG. 15, bearings 206, 210 are seated in the channels196, 200 to ensure the carriage 168 slides smoothly upon the plungeposts 180, 184. Although any type of bearing 206, 210 may be utilized,the bearing 206 surrounding the primary plunge post 180 should generallyhave a lower manufacturing tolerance level than the bearing 210surrounding the secondary plunge post 184. In particular, due tomanufacturing tolerances and the stacking effect of tolerance values, itis expensive and difficult to manufacture a carriage 168 that slidesproperly upon the plunge posts 180, 184 properly when two bearing 206,210 of high precision are utilized. Therefore, the primary bearing 206may have a larger bearing surface and in some embodiments a tighter fitupon the plunge post 180 (i.e., a relatively small clearance between theprimary bearing 206 and the plunge post 180), such that the primarybearing 206 guides and positions the carriage 168 to move properlybetween the upper and lower positions. Alternatively, the secondarybearing 210 may have a smaller bearing surface and may have a looser fitupon the plunge post 184 (i.e., a greater clearance between thesecondary bearing 210 and the secondary plunge post 184 as compared tothe clearance between the primary bearing 206 and the primary plungepost 180). With this arrangement, the secondary bearing 210 prevents thecarriage 168 from rotating about the primary plunge post 180 and onlyguides the path of the carriage 168 to a minimal extent.

Sleeve Bearing in the Plunge Base Unit

The secondary bearing 210 may be provided in some embodiments as thesleeve bearing 204 illustrated in FIGS. 16-18. The sleeve bearing 204may be formed of various materials having a high lubricity such aspolyoxymethylene or other lightweight wear-resistant low-frictionthermoplastic polymers. The sleeve bearing 204 includes a lower portion208, an upper portion 212, a flexible portion provided as ribs orfingers 216, and a wire guide 220. In general, the bearing 204 has ashape complimentary to the shape of the plunge posts 180, 184. In thedisclosed embodiment, the bearing 204 is generally an elliptic cylinderhaving an elliptical cross-section. While the elliptical cross-sectionof the bearing 204 is not easily discernable from FIG. 16 and FIG. 17,it will be noted that FIG. 17A illustrates the sleeve bearing 204(without the wire guide 220) having an exaggerated ellipticalcross-section. In particular, the length represented by line X isgreater than the length represented by line Y in the sleeve bearing 204illustrated in FIG. 17 and FIG. 17A; however, the difference betweenlength X and Y is greatly exaggerated in FIG. 17A. In other embodiments,the bearing 204 may exhibit a circular cross-sectional shape. Thebearing 204 may be nonmovably secured to a channel 196, 200 in thecarriage 168 as illustrated in FIG. 18.

The plurality of fingers 216 connect the lower portion 208 of the sleevebearing 204 to the upper portion 212 of the sleeve bearing 204. Thefingers 216 may be approximately evenly sized and approximately evenlyspaced around the circumference of the bearing 204. As best seen in FIG.18, the fingers 216 may be curved toward a center longitudinal axis ofthe bearing 204, wherein a convex interior surface 218 of the fingers216 engages the plunge post 180, 184.

The flexible fingers 216 provide an engaging surface for the plungeposts 180, 184, the engaging surface having a variable size and shape.For instance, the flexible fingers 216 may adjust to the position of theplunge posts 180, 184 by flexing away from the longitudinal center ofthe bearing 204, but still contacting the plunge post 180, 184. Eachfinger 216 may flex as much as a distance equal to the lengthrepresented by line A of FIG. 17 and lines A1 and A2 of FIG. 17A. Thus,the bearing 204 is configured to engage plunge posts 180, 184 of varyingsizes and in varying positions firmly, while permitting the carriage 168to slide smoothly thereon.

The flexible nature of the fingers 216 reduces the perceived effects ofthe manufacturing tolerance stack-up. In particular, plunge routers 108typically require two bearings that guide the plunging action of thecarriage 168 along the plunge posts 180, 184. Due to generalmanufacturing tolerances as well as the stacking of tolerance values, asillustrated in FIG. 17B, it is difficult to design a plunge router 108having a tight fit between both the primary guide bearing 206 and thesecondary guide bearing. Accordingly, the primary bearing 206 may bedesigned to have a larger bearing surface and a tighter fit about theplunge post 108, such that the primary bearing 206 does most of theguiding and positioning of the carriage 168. The secondary bearing nowtakes on the role of anti-rotation while also having some guidingresponsibility. In response to the tolerances and manufacturingvariations sleeve bearing 204 may be provided with an ellipticalcross-section, as discussed above. The distance between the foci of theellipse is a direct correlation to the stack tolerance needed to provideclearance in the sleeve bearing 204 for plunge post 184. This clearanceimproves the overall feel of the plunge action, and minimizes the chanceof “sticktion” or interruptions in the smooth plunge action.Furthermore, the flexible fingers 216 of the sleeve bearing 204 takingup the rotational tolerance between plunge post 184 and channel 200. Inother words, the flexible fingers of the sleeve bearing 204 eliminatesany user perceived gaps or “play” between the carriage 168 and theplunge posts 180, 184. Furthermore, note that embodiments of the sleevebearing 204 formed from a polyoxymethylene material do not requirelubrication in order to slide smoothly along the plunge post 180, 184.

With reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the wire guide 220 is formed inthe upper portion 212 of the sleeve bearing 204. The guide 220 includesa plurality of offset protrusions in the form of spaced apart posts 224.A wire or wires may be interlaced between the posts 224 and held in asecure position along the length represented by line B of FIG. 17. Thewire guide 220 positions a wire or wires beyond a region in which thewires may interfere with the operation of the bearing 204 sliding upon aplunge post 180, 184. In particular, the wire guide 220 may be utilizedto prevent a signal wire from becoming pinched between the sleevebearing 204 and the plunge post 180, 184.

Plunge Base Offset Fine Adjustment Mechanism

With reference now to FIGS. 19-23, a fine adjustment mechanism 226 forthe plunge base 108 is shown. The fine adjustment mechanism 226,includes a lockpiece 228, an adjustment shaft 232, and an adjustmentknob 236. The adjustment shaft 232 extends through an opening 240 in thecarriage 168. A shoulder 244 on the shaft 232 abuts the carriage 168 andprevents the shaft 232 from moving upward relative to the carriage 168,as illustrated in FIG. 20. The adjustment knob 236 is secured to theupper end of the shaft 232, wherein rotation of the knob 236 causes theshaft 232 to rotate. The lower end of the adjustment shaft 232 isthreadingly engaged to a channel 248 in the lockpiece 228, such that anaxis 237 which the adjustment shaft 232 and the adjustment knob 236rotate about is parallel to the longitudinal axis 181 defined by theplunge post 180. Note that the channel 248 in the lockpiece 228 isoffset from the longitudinal axis of plunge post 180, such that theadjustment shaft 232 and the adjustment knob 236 are also offset fromthe longitudinal axis of the plunge post 180. The non-coaxial positionof the adjustment shaft 232 relative the longitudinal axis of the plungepost 180 contributes to a reduction in overall height of the router 100.In particular, the entire fine adjustment mechanism 226 is positionedlower than the upper surface 283 of the motor unit 104 housing when therouter 100 is in an upright position.

The lockpiece 228 further includes a lever 252, a vertical channel 254,a transverse channel 258, and a locking shaft 262. The vertical channel254 provides a passage through the lockpiece 228 having an insidediameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the plunge posts180, 184. Note that in some embodiments, the vertical channel 254 mayhouse the primary bearing 206 (see, e.g., FIG. 21). The transversechannel 258 provides a passage through the lockpiece 228 configured topermit a locking shaft 262 to move between a locked and an unlockedposition. Lever 252, illustrated in FIG. 20, may be connected to thelocking shaft 262 for rotation between an unlocked position and a lockedposition. In the unlocked position, the vertical channel 254 slidesfreely along plunge post 180 as the carriage 168 is moved between theupper and lower positions. However, when lever 252 enters the lockedposition, the lockpiece 228 becomes coupled to plunge post 180.Specifically, movement of the lever 252 causes the locking shaft 262 tomove within the transverse channel 258 and firmly press against plungepost 180, thereby preventing motion of the lockpiece 228 relative theplunge post 180, 184. Note that in some embodiments the transversechannel 258 may have a threaded interior surface configured to guide acorrespondingly threaded locking shaft 262 into forcible contact withthe plunge post 180 in response to rotation of the lever 252.

Depending on the position of the lever 252, the carriage 168 and themotor unit 104 may be vertically displaced independent of the lockpiece228, thereby permitting the vertical position of the router bit to beadjusted precisely. In particular, when the lever 252 is in the unlockedposition the lockpiece 228, the carriage 168, and the motor unit 104move together as the carriage 168 is moved between the upper and lowerpositions. However, when the lever 252 is moved the locked position, theadjustment knob 236 may be rotated in a first direction causing theshaft 232 to extend from the lockpiece 228. As the shaft 232 extendsfrom the lockpiece 228, the shoulder 244 of the shaft 232 abuts aportion of the carriage 168 causing the carriage 168, the motor unit104, and the router bit to move in an upward direction relative the baseplate 152. Likewise, when the knob 236 is rotated in a second directionthe shaft 232 is drawn into the channel 248 in the lockpiece 228 causingthe carriage 168, the motor unit 104, and the router bit to move in adownward direction relative the base plate 152. In this way, theposition of the router bit may be adjusted precisely.

The adjustment knob 236 may be constructed of any rigid materialincluding but not limited to, metal, plastic, or wood. Additionally, theadjustment knob 236 may include indicia, which indicate the distance thecarriage 168 moves in relation to a rotation of the knob 236. Theindicia may be measured in thousands of an inch, 1/256 of an inch,millimeters, or any other desired measurement unit. Furthermore, notethat the shaft 232 and the knob 236 are configured not to exceed theheight of the motor unit 104. Thus, the fine adjustment mechanism 226does not increase the overall height of the router 100.

An alternative embodiment of the plunge base 108 having a fineadjustment mechanism 226 is illustrated in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22. Ingeneral, the fine adjustment mechanism 226 includes each of the elementsdescribed with reference to the fine adjustment mechanism 226 of FIG. 19and FIG. 20. However, the fine adjustment mechanism 226 of FIG. 21 andFIG. 22 includes a lockpiece 228 and carriage 168 having a differentconfiguration. Specifically, the carriage 168 surrounds the top portionof the lockpiece 228 only, thereby simplifying the manufacturingprocess.

Referring now to FIG. 23, the plunge base 108 includes a fine adjustmentgauge 256 to indicate the position of the adjustment shaft 232 relativethe lockpiece 228. The gauge 256 includes an opening 260, a notch 264,and a scale 268. The opening 260 extends through the carriage 168 andexposes a portion of the lockpiece 228. The opening 260 has a lengthapproximately equal to the total range of fine adjustment. The notch 264is nonmovably positioned upon the lockpiece 228, and is visible throughthe opening 260. As the adjustment knob 236 is rotated, the opening 260moves relative to the stationary notch 264. A scale 268 may be printedon the exterior of the carriage 168 to indicate the distance thecarriage 168 has moved up or down in response to a rotation of theadjustment knob 236.

Base Unit and Motor Unit Electrical Connectors

The base unit 106 includes an electrical connector 148 configured toengage a corresponding electrical connector 144 upon the motor unit 104,illustrated FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. When electrical connector 148 andelectrical connector 144 make electrical contact, an electroniccontroller 332 (shown in FIG. 25) becomes electrically coupled to themicroprocessor 284. Specifically, electrical connector 148 is coupled toan interior portion of the carriage 168 and becomes electrically coupledto electrical connector 144 when the motor unit 104 is properly insertedinto the base unit 106.

Electrical connector 148 includes a plurality of electrical contactsprovided as blades 149 electrically coupled to the electronic controller332, which is housed within a portion of the base 108, 112. Asillustrated most clearly in FIG. 6A, electrical connector 148 includesthree blades 149. The blades 149 are configured to slide between thereceptacles 145 of the electrical connector 144 of the motor unit 104 asthe motor unit 104 is inserted into the base unit 106. Furthermore, inregard to the standard base unit 112, the blades 149 are configured tomaintain electrical contact with the receptacles 145 as the verticalposition of the motor unit 104 is adjusted. Specifically, because theposition of the motor unit 104 relative the electrical connector 148 isvariable, the blades 149 of electrical connector 148 should be able tomaintain an electrical connection as the motor unit 104 is translatedabout the motor axis 138 within the carriage 168 of the standard baseunit 112. Accordingly, the blades 149 of the electrical connector 148 ofthe standard base unit 112 should have a length at least equal to thedistance the motor unit 104 may vertically translate within the standardbase unit 112, as illustrated in FIG. 6A.

Base Unit Power Switch

With reference now to FIGS. 24-27, the combination router 100 may beequipped with a power switch 272 having an actuator located on a handle160, 164 of the base unit 106. The power switch 272 includes a trigger275 on the handle configured to activate an electrical switch. Theelectrical switch of the power switch 272, illustrated schematically inFIG. 24, is provided on a printed circuit board 273 housed within thehandle 160, 164 of the base unit 106. Electrical traces on the printedcircuit board 273 connect the switch 272 to an electronic controller 332(see e.g. FIG. 25) or a resistor network 682 (see e.g. FIG. 27) in thebase unit 106. Signal wires are routed from the printed circuit boardthrough the handle 160, 164 and to the electrical connector 148 on thebase unit. The power switch 272 may be configured for movement betweenan “on” position and an “off” position. In the off position, a pair ofelectrical contacts within the switch 272 remain in an electrically openconfiguration, signaling to the electronic controller 332 that theswitch 272 has not been depressed. In the on position, the electricalcontacts within the switch 272 contact each other, signaling to theelectronic controller 332 that the switch 272 has been depressed andthat a user desires to supply the motor 282 with power.

The switch 272 may be configured to include a lock tab (shown in FIG. 24as a trigger lock 276) for securing the switch 272 in the on position.In particular, the trigger lock 276 may be engaged after the switch 272has been moved to the on position. The trigger lock 276 secures theswitch 272 in the on position even when a user has released the switch272. The switch 272 having a trigger lock 276 may be installed uponeither or both of the handles 160, 164 of the base unit 106.

Base Sensing Electronic Circuitry

FIG. 25 illustrates the electrical components of the combination router100, in schematic form, including a control circuit 280 for controllingwhen the motor 282 becomes energized. In particular, the motor unit 104includes a microprocessor 284 connected to rotary drive controller 288,which selectively opens and closes relay 292. When in the closedposition, relay 292 connects a source of alternating current 296 to afirst stator connection upon the motor 282. A second stator connectionof the motor 282 is connected to a first terminal of a bidirectionaltriode thyristor, commonly referred to as a triac 300. A second terminalof the triac 300 is connected to a current sensing resistor 304, whichis also connected to the source of alternating current 296. The gate oftriac 300 is connected to the microprocessor 284. Electrical connector144 is coupled to a base interface circuit 308, which is connected tothe microprocessor 284. A voltage monitor 312 is connected to the firststator terminal of the motor 282 and the microprocessor 284. Likewise, acurrent sensing unit 316 is connected to the second terminal of thetriac 300 and the microprocessor 284. An electromotive force (“EMF”)monitor 318, configured to monitor the back electromotive forcegenerated by the motor 282, is connected to both stator terminals of themotor 282 as well as the microprocessor 284. A variable resistor 320,provided as a potentiometer, is also connected to the microprocessor284. A plurality of enunciators, provided as light emitting diodes(“LED”) 324 are connected to the microprocessor 284. The microprocessor284 is powered by a voltage regulator 328 connected to the source ofalternating current 296. Electrical connector 148 is electricallycoupled to an electronic controller 332 in the base unit 106. Switch 272is also electrically coupled to the electronic controller 332.

The electronic components of FIG. 25 implement a method 700 ofcontrolling the router 100, illustrated by the flowchart of FIG. 26. Asshown in step 704 of FIG. 26, once the motor unit 104 is connected to asource of power, the microprocessor 284 begins to monitor the baseinterface circuit 308 to determine if the motor unit 104 is properlyconnected to a base unit 106. In particular, the microprocessor 284 andthe base interface circuit 308 act as a sensor to determine if the baseunit 106 is properly connected to the motor unit 104 and also todetermine if the switch 272 is in an on or off position. Note that thesensor may be provided in other embodiments as a magnetic sensor, anoptical sensor, or other sensors as will be recognized the those ofskill in the art. Additionally, note that in the embodiment of FIG. 26,the microprocessor 284 functions similarly if motor unit 104 isconnected to a source of power before or after being properly connectedto the base unit 106. However, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 29,the motor unit 104 may be configured to operate differently depending onif motor unit 104 is connected to a source of power before or afterbeing properly connected to the base unit 106.

Next, as shown in step 708, if the microprocessor 284 determines thatmotor unit 104 is not properly connected to a base unit 106 the router100 cannot be utilized, as power is not delivered to the electric motor282. Instead, the microprocessor 284 continues to monitor the baseinterface circuit 308 without regard for the position of the powerswitch 272. Specifically, a user may plug the power cord 132 of themotor unit 104 into an electrical power outlet and locate the powerswitch 272 in the on position, but if the motor unit 104 is not properlyconnected to the base unit 106, the motor 282 does not become energized.Note that a proper connection of the motor unit 104 to a base unit 106includes a mechanical connection of electrical connector 144 toelectrical connector 148.

The microprocessor 284 recognizes that the motor unit 104 is properlyconnected to the base unit 106 after the base interface circuit 308determines that the electronic controller 332 has generated apredetermined voltage level or levels at connector 148. In particular,when the motor unit 104 is connected to the base unit 106, the baseinterface circuit 308 may be configured to send an electronic signalacross connectors 144, 148 to the electronic controller 332. The signalcauses electronic controller 332 to generate an output consisting of oneor more predetermined voltage levels. For instance, the signal may causethe electronic controller 332 to generate a “high” voltage level acrossconductors one and two of connector 148 and a “low” voltage level acrossconductors two and three of connector 148. After sending the signal tothe electronic controller 332, the base interface circuit 308 monitorsthe voltage levels on connector 144. Only when the base interfacecircuit 308 detects the predetermined voltage levels at connector 144does the base interface circuit 308 indicate to the microprocessor 284that the motor unit 104 is properly secured to a base unit 106. The baseinterface circuit 308 may be configured to detect any combination ofhigh and low voltages or high and low currents upon the conductors ofconnector 144. Furthermore, the electronic controller 332 and baseinterface circuit 308 may be configured to function with electricalconnectors 144, 148 having any number of contacts. Because the baseinterface circuit 308 permits the microprocessor 284 to energize themotor 282 only when the predetermined voltage levels have been detected,the base interface circuit 308 prevents a user from connecting a jumperwire across the contacts of connector 144 in an attempt to energize themotor unit 104 when the motor unit 104 is not properly connected to abase unit 106.

As shown in step 712, once the microprocessor 284 detects that the motorunit 104 has become properly connected to a base unit 106 (such that anelectrical connection is established between the motor unit 104 and thebase unit 106), the microprocessor 284 attempts to detect the positionof the power switch 272. Note that when the motor unit 104 is properlyinserted in the base unit 106, electrical connector 144 mates withcomplementary electrical connector 148, such that an electricalconnection is established between the motor unit 104 and the base unit106. This electrical connection enables the microprocessor 284 tomonitor the output of the electronic controller 332 in the base unit106, which provides a signal that indicates if the switch 272 is on oroff. As previously mentioned, this monitoring of whether the switch 272is on or off may occur either before or after the motor unit 104 isproperly connected to a base unit 106. Accordingly, the microprocessor284 determines whether the switch 272 is on or off at an initialconnection time, the initial connection time being a moment when themotor unit 104 is supplied with electrical power and is properlyconnected to a base unit 106.

As shown in steps 716 and 752, if the microprocessor 284 determines thatthe switch 272 is in the off position the motor 282 remains deenergizeduntil the microprocessor 284 detects that the switch 272 has switch tothe on position. Next, as shown in step 756, once the switch 272 entersthe on position, the microprocessor 284 energizes the motor 282. Inparticular, the microprocessor 284 instructs the rotary drive controller288 to close the contacts of relay 292. The microprocessor 284 alsovaries timing of the triac 300 gate signal to increase the rotationalspeed of the motor 282 slowly to an operating speed as determined by thevariable resistor 320.

As shown in step 744, however, if after determining that the motor unit104 is properly connected to the base unit 106, the microprocessor 284determines that the power switch 272 is in the on position, the motor282 remains deenergized. Thus, even though the switch 272 is in aposition that normally causes the motor 282 to become energized, themicroprocessor 284 prevents the motor 282 from becoming energized, bymaintaining the relay 292 in an open configuration and grounding thegate signal of the triac 300. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 26, itwill be noted that the motor 282 does not become immediately energizedupon the microprocessor 284 determining that the motor unit 104 isproperly seated in a base unit 106. Next, as shown in step 748, themicroprocessor 284 monitors the base interface circuit 308 to determineif the switch 272 has switched to the off position. As shown in step 750the motor 282 remains deenergized while the switch 272 is off. Once, themicroprocessor 284 detects that switch 272 has switched to the offposition the microprocessor 284 is configured to energize the motor 282as soon as the switch 272 enters the on position, as shown in steps 752and 756.

Referring now to FIG. 27, a schematic illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the electronic components of the combination router 100.Identical components in FIG. 25 and FIG. 27 are identified with the samereference numerals. Notably, the schematic of FIG. 27 includes a firstmicroprocessor 652 and a second microprocessor 656. Each microprocessor652, 656 may be programmed to control and monitor different elements andcomponents within the router 100. For example, the first microprocessor652 may be programmed to control the operation of the electric motor282, and the second microprocessor 656 may be programmed to detectelectrical faults.

The schematic of FIG. 27 includes a series of resistor networks 678, 682utilized by microprocessor 656 to determine when the motor unit 104 isproperly connected to a base unit 106. In particular, the base interfacecircuit 308 is connected to a first resistor network 678, which isconnected to electrical connector 144. Electrical connector 148 isconnected to a second resistor network 682, which is connected to switch272. The first resistor network 678 becomes electrically coupled to thesecond resistor network 682 when the motor unit 104 is connected to abase unit 106. The resistor networks 678, 682 generate a particularvoltage level or levels in response to the position of the switch 272.Specifically, when the motor unit 104 is connected to a source of power296, the base interface circuit 308 sends an electronic signal to thefirst resistor network 678. When the motor unit 104 is connected to abase unit 106, this signal is electrically coupled to the secondresistor network 682 through connectors 144 and 148. When switch 272 isin the closed position the signal causes the second resistor network 682to generate a predetermined set of voltage levels on the conductorsprovided in the electrical connectors 144 and 148. Only when the baseinterface circuit 308 detects that the predetermined set of voltagelevels has been generated does the microprocessor 656 energize the motor282.

Fault Protection Circuitry

The circuits of FIG. 25 and FIG. 27 implement a method of faultprotection utilized by the router 100. Under normal operating conditionsthe motor 282 operates as described above; however, like all electronicdevices there exists a potential that one or more of the electriccomponents within the router 100 could fail. The circuits of FIG. 25 andFIG. 27 ensure that if one of the components controlling the supply ofpower to the motor 282 should fail, that the router 100 does not enter astate in which the motor 282 cannot become deenergized by releasingswitch 272.

The fault protection circuits of FIG. 25 and FIG. 27 function bymonitoring the current and voltage drawn by the motor 282. Specifically,relay 292 and triac 300 are in series with the stator of the motor 282,thus by monitoring the state of these devices the microprocessor 284 maydetect if a fault has occurred. If the triac 300 or the relay 292 failsin an open state, the motor 282 cannot become energized, because acomplete electric circuit cannot be formed. The current sensing unit 316may detect this fault as an unexpectedly low current level at a time inwhich the microprocessor 284 has attempted to energize the motor 282. Inresponse to the fault, the microprocessor 284 may energize an LED 324 toalert the user that the router 100 has experienced an electronic fault.

If the relay 292 fails in the shorted or “closed” state the motor 282may still be operational. Thus, to deenergize the motor 282 themicroprocessor 284 may deenergize the triac 300 gate signal, which makesthe triac 300 behave as an open circuit, thereby halting the flow ofcurrent to the motor 282. The voltage monitor 312 of FIG. 25, providedas a zero crossing detector 674 in FIG. 27, may detect that relay 292has faulted in the shorted state, by the presence of a voltage level,namely the alternating current supply 296, at time after themicroprocessor 284 has signaled to open the relay 292. Note that therouter 100 functions normally when the relay 292 fails in the shortedstate; nonetheless, after detecting the fault, the microprocessor 284may energize an LED 324 or prevent the motor 282 from becoming energizedto alert a user that the router 100 has experienced an electronic faultand should be serviced.

The circuit of FIG. 27 includes a pair of relay drivers 686, 690 inseries with the control circuit of the relay 292. The relay drivers 686,690 transfer an output signal of microprocessor 656 into a signalsuitable to energize the relay 292. In particular, to close the contactsin the relay 292 microprocessor 656 sends a signal to both relay driver686, 690 indicating that the control circuit of the relay 292 should beenergized, thereby closing the contact in the relay 292 and energizingthe motor 282. Having two relay drivers 686, 690 implements a redundantsystem that ensures the motor 282 can be deenergized if one of the relaydrivers 686, 690 where to fail in the shorted state. In particular, ifrelay driver 686 were to fail in the shorted state microprocessor 656could deenergize the motor 282 by signaling to relay driver 690 that themotor 282 should be deenergized.

If the triac 300 fails in the shorted state the motor 282 may still beenergized and deenergized by opening and closing relay 292. Themicroprocessor 284 may detect when triac 300 has failed in the shortedstate by monitoring the current sensing module 316. Specifically, alarger than anticipated current should flow through the current sensingresistor 304 when triac 300 fails in the shorted state. Note that if thetriac 300 fails in the shorted state, the router 100 looses the abilityto increase the rotational speed of the motor 282 slowly to the userdesired rotational speed as determined by the position of the variableresistor 320. In at least one embodiment, in response to the detectedfault, the microprocessor 284 may be configured to energize an LED 324or prevent the motor 282 from becoming energized, thereby signaling thatthe router 100 should be serviced.

Motor Speed Control Circuitry

Referring again to the circuit of FIG. 25, note that the microprocessor284 utilizes the rotary drive unit 288 and the triac 300 to maintain aconstant motor 282 rotational speed. The router 100 is configured tomaintain a constant rotational speed even when the rotating cutting bitencounters the physical resistance of a workpiece. As mentioned above,the desired speed is set by the position of variable resistor 320. Themicroprocessor 284 generates a signal level that when applied to thetriac 300 permits a level of current to flow through the motor 282 tobring the motor 282 to the desired speed. However, when the cutting bitencounters the resistance of a workpiece, the motor 282 experiences anincreased load and if the same level of current is supplied, the motor282 rotates at a slower speed. Thus, the microprocessor 284 utilizes theEMF monitor 282 to determine the level of back electromotive forcegenerated by the motor 282, which is representative of the current speedof the motor 282. The microprocessor 284 then adjusts the triac 300 gatesignal to ensure the desired motor 282 speed is maintained even when themotor 282 is under load. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 27,microprocessor 652 utilizes the Hall Effect sensor 670 to monitor therotational speed of the motor.

Alternative Embodiments for Table Router Configuration

In another embodiment, the standard base 112 includes circuitry enablingthe router 100 to become energized and deenergized when connected to arouter table having a table switch. The circuitry includes a routertable detection switch (not illustrated) secured to the base unit 112and movable from an “off” position, indicating the router base 112 isnot connected to a router table, to an “on” position, indicating therouter base 112 is connected to a router table. The detection switch iselectrically connected to the electronic controller 332. The detectionswitch may include an actuator, such as toggle, that may be manuallypositioned by a user. Alternatively, the detection switch may include anactuator configured to engage a post on the router table. In particular,the detection switch may be biased in the off position; however, whenthe standard base 112 is properly assembled in a router table, the postmay contact the actuator, thereby locating the detection switch in theon position.

The router 100 having a router table detection switch operates accordingto method 702, illustrated by the flowchart of FIG. 28. Method 702,illustrated in FIG. 28, contains some steps that are identical to thesteps of method 700, illustrated in FIG. 26. The blocks which representthe same steps in both methods 700, 702 are identified with the samereference numerals. As shown in step 710, after the microprocessor 284determines that the motor 282 is properly seated on the base unit 112,the microprocessor 284 determines if the detection switch is in the onor off position, which indicates if the router base 112 is properlyconnected to a router table. If the detection switch in is the offposition the router 100 functions as described above with reference tothe flowchart of FIG. 26. If, however, as shown in step 714, thedetection switch is in the on position, the microprocessor 284determines if the power switch 272 on the handle 160, 164 of the router100 is in the on or off position. As shown in step 718, if the handleswitch 272 is in the off position the motor 282 may not becomeenergized. As shown in step 722, however, if the handle switch 272 is inthe on position the microprocessor 284 permits the router table switchto control the power state of the motor 282. For example, as shown instep 718 if the router table switch is in the off position the motordoes not become energized. Alternatively, as shown in step 756, if therouter table switch is in the on position the motor becomes energizedeven though the handle switch 272 has not been positioned in the offposition as required by step 748 when the router base 112 is notconnected to a router table.

Alternative Embodiment with Initial Power Detection

In another embodiment the router may be configured to operatedifferently depending on whether the motor unit is (i) already connectedto the base unit when the power cord is plugged into a power outlet or(ii) subsequently connected to the base unit after the power cord isplugged into a power outlet. An example of such a method 800 ofoperating the routing machine is illustrated in the flowchart of FIG.29. As provided in step 802 of FIG. 29, the method 800 begins when themicroprocessor is supplied with power, which of course can beaccomplished by plugging the motor unit into a wall outlet. Next, asprovided in step 804, when the microprocessor determines if the motorunit is connected to a base unit. As shown in step 808, if the motorunit is connected to a base unit the microprocessor next determines ifthe power switch is in the on position. As provided in step 812, if thepower switch is not in the on position the motor remains deenergized andthe microprocessor continues to monitor the position of the power switchas shown in step 808. As shown in step 816, when the power switch isswitched to the on position the motor becomes energized. Step 820provides that when the power switch is subsequently switched to the offposition that the motor becomes deenergized as provided in step 824.

Referring step 828 of the method 800 illustrated by the flowchart FIG.29, if after supplying the microprocessor with power the motor unit isnot connected to a base unit the motor remains deenergized. Next, asprovided in step 832, the processor again determines if the motor unitis connected to a base unit. If the motor unit is not connected to abase unit the motor remains deenergized as shown in step 832. However,as shown in step 836 if the motor unit is connected to a base unit themicroprocessor next determines if the power switch is in the onposition. As shown in step 840, even if the power switch is in the onposition the motor remains deenergized. Next, as provided in step 844,the microprocessor monitors the position of the power switch. If theswitch remains in the on position the motor remains deenergized as shownin step 840. However, as shown in step 848 if the switch is switched tothe off position the motor remains deenergized, but becomes energizedthe next time the switch is switched to the on position as shown in step816. As provided in step 820, the motor remains energized until thepower switch enters the off position or the motor unit is disconnectedfrom the base unit.

Although a power tool has been described with respect to certainpreferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of skill in theart that other implementations and adaptations are possible. Forexample, although the power switch 272 has been described as beinglocated on a handle 160, 164 of the base unit 106, the power switch 272may instead be located on the motor unit 104. Likewise, the router 100may include a power switch 272 on both the motor unit 104 and a handle160, 164. Moreover, there are advantages to individual advancementsdescribed herein that may be obtained without incorporating otheraspects described above. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims should not be limited to the description of the preferredembodiments contained herein, and the claims, as originally presentedand as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives,modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents ofthe embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that arepresently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arisefrom applicants, patentees, and others.

What is claimed is:
 1. A routing machine comprising: a plunge base unitincluding (i) a receptacle structure defining an interior space, (ii) ahandle fixed in relation to the receptacle structure and spaced apartfrom the interior space, and (iii) a first electrical connector attachedto the receptacle structure so as to be located within the interiorspace, said first electrical connector including a first plurality ofblades; a motor unit including a motor housing, an electric motorlocated within the motor housing, and a second electrical connectorsecured to the motor housing, said second electrical connector includinga plurality of blade receiving structures, wherein the motor unit ispositionable between (i) a first position in which the motor housing islocated in the interior space so that the first electrical connector ispositioned in contact with the second electrical connector, and (ii) asecond position in which the motor housing is spaced apart from theinterior space so that the first electrical connector is spaced apartfrom the second electrical connector; a power circuit configured todeliver electrical power to the electric motor; a switch supported bythe base unit, the switch movable between an on position and an offposition, wherein electric power is delivered to the electric motor whenthe switch is in the on position and wherein electric power is preventedfrom being delivered to the electric motor when the switch is in the offposition; and a motor control circuit configured to control the powercircuit, the motor control circuit configured to determine whether theswitch is in the on position when the motor unit is positioned in thefirst position and open the power circuit if the switch is in the onposition; a fixed base unit including (i) an additional receptaclestructure defining an additional interior space configured to receivethe motor unit therein, (ii) an additional handle fixed in relation tothe additional receptacle structure and spaced apart from the additionalinterior space, and (iii) a third electrical connector attached to theadditional receptacle structure so as to be located within theadditional interior space, said third electrical connector including aplurality of second blades, wherein the motor unit is also positionablein a third position in which the motor housing is located in theadditional interior space so that the third electrical connector ispositioned in contact with the second electrical connector, wherein,when the first electrical connector is positioned in contact with thesecond electrical connector, said first plurality of blades are receivedin said plurality of blade receiving structures, and wherein, when thethird electrical connector is positioned in contact with the secondelectrical connector, said second plurality of blades are received insaid plurality of blade receiving structures.
 2. The routing machine ofclaim 1 wherein an electrical power cord configured for connection to anelectrical wall outlet is connected to the motor unit.
 3. The routingmachine of claim 1 wherein the switch is supported by the handle of thebase unit.
 4. The routing machine of claim 3 further comprising a locksupported by the handle and configured to lock the switch in the onposition.
 5. The routing machine of claim 1 wherein the motor controlcircuit is further configured to provide electrical power to theelectric motor once the switch is moved to the off position and thenback to the on position after the motor control circuit detects that theswitch is in the on position when the motor unit is initially connectedto the base unit.
 6. The routing machine of claim 1, wherein the motorhousing is supported by the receptacle structure when the motor unit ispositioned in the first position.
 7. The routing machine of claim 1,wherein the second electrical connector is secured to an exteriorsurface of the motor housing.